Walking stick plays a vital role of enhancing your balance when recovering from a leg injury. It also provide balance and stability to the elderly. A walking stick provides balance by distributing your bodyweight to the arms. If used properly, a walking stick can help you recover from an injury quickly. It can also help to protect the elderly from injuries by providing much needed balance and stability. However, how you use your walking stick matters a lot. If you don’t use it correctly, then it can cause more harm than good. On the other hand, if used correctly, a walking stick can help be helpful, especially for the elderly and those suffering from a leg injury.
In this article, we will give you tips on how to walk with a walking stick.
Find The Correct Size
The first important thing to when is find a best walking stick with a length that suits you. Your walking stick will only benefit you if it matches you size.
The best way to determine the length of your walking stick is by standing upright with your arms relaxed. Wear your normal waking shoes then measure the length from your wrist to the toe. When standing upright, your walking stick handle should be at the same height as with the bone on your outside wrist. If you are not sure of how tall your walking stick should be ,consider purchasing an adjustable walking stick.
Choose The Right Side for Holding The Walking Stick
Another very important thing that will determine how useful the walking stick will be is the side that choose to hold it. A common misconception even among experience walking stick users is that the stick should be held on the weaker side. However, that is not true. The walking stick should alwaye be held on the hand that is on the same side with the leg that is in perfect shape. This applies both both when suffering from a leg injury. However if you are suffering from instability, then you should hold your walking stick on the hand that you frequently use and use your dominant hand to do your everyday activities.
Move Your Walking Stick Simultaneously With Your Injured Leg
When walking with a walking stick , general rule of thumb is that you should always move the walking stick with the injured leg at the same time. Step your injured leg forward, then put the stick infont of you. Gentlely take a small step with the walking stick and the cane moving forward simultaneously, then step forward with your good leg. This way, the injured leg and the stick will share the load, making your movements smooth and pain free.
You may struggle at first before you get used to moving the cane and your injured leg but with practice, things will be fine with time. If you are using a cane for the first time, consider seeking help from a family member to help you learn how to stabilize.
Always Start With Your Good Leg When Climbing Stairs
When climbing stairs , always start with your good leg, followed by the stick and your injured leg. Make sure the walking stick is on the opposite hand of the injured leg. Hold the handrail with the other hand, then gently move up the stair starting with your good leg then the stick and the injured leg at the same time.
Start With The Walking Stick When Moving Down The Stairs
When decending stairs , always start with the cane, followed by your injured then your good leg. Actually, when climbing down the stairs, your the opposite of what you did when climbing the stairs. Hold the handrail with the other hand for additional support. Moving down the stairs is more dangerous, so move slow and be careful.
Useful Tips
When purchasing a walking stick make sure the rubber tip is in good condition. Rubber tip will ensure there is a firm grip, thus prevent it from sliding.
If you fell that your walking stick does not provide enough support consider using crutches or therapy
Make sure you buy a walking stick that is sturdy and of the right size.
Conclusion
Knowing how to walk with a walking stick can make a difference when recovering from injury. It can also increase stability and make movement easier for the elderly. The trick here is to purchase a walking stick of the right length that fit you and master how to use it correctly. If you the tips given above, then you will get the best out of your walking stick.